CHAPTER XIII (Pleasant Township).

By G.A. GARARD.

THIS township was formed at the time of the "general division" in
1836, and its name is said to have been suggested by its pleasant
location.

First Election and First Settlers. - The following is a record of the
first election:

"At an election held at the house of Henry Adams, Pleasant Township,
on the 3d of April, 1836, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace for
said township, the following votes were taken: John Bartholomew, Joseph Bartholomew,
George Shultz, Henry Adams, William Billings, Martin Reed, Morris Witham, Enoch Billings,
John Adams, James Witham and Charles Allen. Total, 11. We, the undersigned, Inspectors
and Judges of the Election, do certify that Lewis Comer got eleven votes for the office
of Justice of the Peace. William Billings, Inspector; Enoch Billings, Morris Witham,
Judges."

An election was held December 24, 1836, in Pleasant Township for
one Judge and one Justice of the Peace. Seneca Ball received nine votes
for Judge, and John Adams nine for Justice of the Peace. The following
persons voted at this election: Morris Witham, Charles Allen, William Trinkle,
William Billings, Jacob Shultz, Thomas Adams, Henry Adams, R. Blachly and John Adams.

The following is a list of the first and early settlers as far as
attainable: J. Sherwood and family, about 1834; William Trinkle and family,
fall of 1835; John Jones and family, 1835; George Eden and family,
1837. Among the other early settlers were Hisel Coghill, Isaiah Meadows,
Reuben Meadows, Oliver Coles, Luke Asher, Mr. Chandler, John
Adams, John Bartholomew, Joseph Bartholomew, George Shultz, Henry
Adams, William Billings, Enoch Billings, Martin Reed, Morris Witham,
James Witham and Charles Allen. Nearly all of these were here as
early as 1836, as will be seen by the lists of voters above given. Mr.
J. Sherwood and family located near the Kankakee River, in the
southwestern part of the township. Mrs. Sherwood remarked to Mrs. William
Trinkle, in 1835, that she was the only white woman that she had seen for
two years, with the exception of a sister of Mrs. S., who lived with her.

Early Events. - The first birth was that of Henry Trinkle, born to
Gillie Ann and William Trinkle on December 2, 1835. The first death
was that of Jeremiah, a son of J. Sherwood. He was buried at what is
now the Widow Bonesteel's farm, where there are only a few graves. The
first marriage was that of Alexander Wright to Miss S. Jones, which
occurred about 1839. The usual hardships incident to pioneer life
devolved upon the settlers of Pleasant Township. For some years the
milling was done at Michigan City, and much of the trading on the
Wabash. Great as were the hardships of these early days, there was a
feeling of freedom on the frontier, and a spirit of fellowship and general
good-will that made life here endurable to all, and enjoyable to many.
Mrs. Trinkle, the oldest living settler now residing in the township, says:
"If I were young again as I was when I came here, I should be glad to
go and help to settle a new country." Mrs. Trinkle tells many interesting
incidents of Indian times. The Kankakee Marsh was a sort of
"Indian Paradise." Here game and fur-bearing animals abounded.
When settlement began, the outlines of an abandoned fort near the Kankakee,
southwest of where Kouts now stands, were quite distinct, and
traces are yet to be seen. It was at a point where two Indian trails
crossed the river, and is the only place for a long distance where the
river and marsh could be crossed readily. It seems to have covered four
or five acres, and, in 1836, bore marks of long disuse, for there were
young trees of two feet in diameter growing on what seemed to have been
embankments of the fort. The Indians were peaceable and punctual in
the fulfillment of promises. When they came to borrow, if unable to
talk English, they would indicate the number of days for which they
wished to keep the article, by holding up as many fingers as there were
days to elapse before they expected to return it.

Schools. - The pioneer school of the township was taught in a small log schoolhouse about the year 1838. This house stood on Section 13,
Township 33, Range 6, and was built by the voluntary labor of the
neighbors, of material, the most of which was found near at hand. The
light that entered this primitive schoolhouse came through the door, and
through greased paper that answered for window glass. There was one
good thing about these paper "panes;" the grease rendered the paper
translucent, but not transparent, so that light was admitted, but the
children could not see out. It was used for school purposes for three or four
years, when it was burned. The schools held here were supported by
subscription.

The first patrons were George Eaton, who sent two sons, John Berrier,
who sent two children, John Jones, who sent five, and William Trinkle,
who sent two, Nancy and Henry. The second schoolhouse was of the
same kind and located on the same section, but larger than the first. This
was used for several years. The third schoolhouse was built near the site
of the first one. This was the first frame schoolhouse of the township.
There are now seven houses, all of which are frame. The average cost
of all, except the house at Kouts, is about $500. The one at Kouts
contains two rooms, and cost $1,000. It was built in 1876. There are eight
school districts in the township. District No. 3 has no house now. It had
a frame house, which was built in 1860, and burned in 1879. The
house in District No. 8 was built in 1880, at a cost of about $500. The
houses in the other districts were built prior to 1860. The teachers for
1882, are as follows: In District No. 1, Alice Sanborn; in No. 2, B.A.
Maugher and Sarah Welch; in No. 4, Flora Wilcox; in No. 5, Mary G. Noel;
in No. 6, L. Sanborn; in No. 7, Sadie Turner; in No. 8, Jennie Wyley.

Churches, etc. - The first religious services of the township were held
at the house of John Jones in 1836. Mr. Jones, although not a regular
minister, often preached in the neighborhood, and occasionally in adjoining
communities. These informal devotional meetings were changed from
house to house at first, and at a later day from schoolhouse to schoolhouse.
The only regular church building of Pleasant is the present edifice of the
German Lutheran Church at Kouts. It is a frame, built in 1880 at a
cost of $600. The present minister is Rev. Julius Dunsing, who has
served the church one year. Before him, Rev. Philip Smith was pastor.
He was the first minister in the new church, and conducted the dedicatory
services. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse for about seven years before
the church was built, and services were held for a time in private houses.
The one to organize the society was Rev. Philip Smith, now of Valparaiso.
The present membership of the church is seventeen. The only regular
cemetery of the township is that located on Section 12, Township 33,
Range 6. The first one interred here was a little boy of Mr. and Mrs.
Milton Wright, in the last part of the year 1842.

lndustries. - The township has been strictly agricultural throughout
its history. It has never had a grist-mill, and only one saw-mill
permanently located. This was on the Kankakee River, near where the bridge
now is. It was built by Joseph Hackman and run by him for some time.
He sold it to James M. Pugh, who converted it into a portable one, about
two years ago. There have been several portable saw-mills at different
times and places within the limits of the township. A cheese factory was
established, about five years ago by H.A. Wright: It ran a short time
and was closed.

Crime. - There have been three homicides committed within the limits
of Pleasant Township. In 1879, W. Swett was shot by Charles Chase;
the same year, Charles Askam was shot by McIntosh, and in 188O,
Brainerd Taft shot John Dutton.

Fatal Casualty. - A very sad accident occurred to a Welsh family
named Pugh, in 1873. They lived near the Kankakee. Mr. J.M. Pugh,
the father, was plowing not far from the house; some marsh grass was
rather troublesome, so he requested his daughter, Sarah, to bring some
fire from the house and burn the hay. She brought the fire at once, and
stood watching the hay burn when a sudden gust of wind blew the flames
toward and around her; her clothing took fire, and before help reached
her she was fatally burned. She took a few steps, fell and was carried
home. She lived in intense agony until 4 o'clock the next morning. It
was about 2 p.m. when the accident occurred.

Village of Kouts. - The only town that the township has ever
produced is the town of Kouts, situated in the northwestern part, on the
Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. This town was laid out by
B. Kouts and took its name from him. He built the first business block
which is now occupied by Dr. L. Atkins. The second business house was
built by Brown and Dilley; the third was built by A. Williams. The post
office was established here in 1865, with H.A. Wright as Postmaster, who
held the office until 1881, when S.E. Douglas, the present incumbent,
took charge of the office, which he has held up to the present time. The
Chicago & Atlantic Railroad has reached town within the last year, and
as Kouts promises to be the only station on either road in the township,
its prospects are quite flattering. Counting the floating population brought
in by the building of the new railroad, there are perhaps 300 people in the
town. It has two general stores; one kept by B. Kouts, and the other
by H. Rosenbaum. There are two drug stores; one is kept by S.E. Douglas,
and the other by L. Atkins. A grocery is kept by Mrs. Margaret Williamson;
E.R. Kosanke keeps furniture; D.A. Stark furnishes hardware; H.A. Wright and
J.H. Hodkins sell implements; John Shultz and Joshua George make boots and
shoes; William Kee and William Cinkaski do the blacksmithing. The town has
two saloons and one church. The Hodjins House is kept by J.A. Hodjins, and
restaurant by Albert Spencer. A hay barn, belonging to a Chicago man, is
operated by H.A. Wright. Dr. Sprague and Dr. Kellogg located here, but did
not stay long. The town is regularly laid out and platted. Three additions
have been made to it and entered of record by Mr. Kouts.

CHAPTER XIV (Porter Township).

BY G.A. GARARD.

PORTER TOWNSHIP - ORIGIN AND CHANGE OF NAME - EARLY ELECTION -
LIST OF FIRST AND EARLY SETTLERS - REMINISCENCES OF EARLY
TIMES - A MOUND-EARLY ITEMS - SCHOOLS - CHURCHES - STORES - POST
OFFICES.

PORTER TOWNSHIP was formed in 1837, at the time when Lake
county was set off. At first it was known as Fish Lake Township,
which name it took from a lake then known as Fish Lake. This lake,
situated on Section 1, Township 37, Range 7, is now known as Lake
Eliza. The citizens did not like the name of Fish Lake Township and
proceeded to circulate a petition, the object of which was to have the
name changed. This petition was presented to the Board of County
Commissioners at their meeting in June, 1841. The prayers of the
petitioners were answered, and the name of Porter was supplied to the
township. This name it took from the county, which was named in honor of
Commodore Porter.

Early Election. - At an election held in the house of Alpheus
French in Fish Lake Township on Monday, December 3, 1838, for the purpose
of electing one Representative, the following persons voted:
William McCoy, J.C. Hathaway, Newton Frame, William Frakes,
Alpheus French, Henry M. Wilson, William Frame, A.M. Bartel,
Jonathan Hough, Samuel Campbell, E.P. Hough, Edmund Hatch,
William C. Shreve, David Dinwiddie, Mr. Wellman, Ora B. French,
David Hurlburt and Jacob Hurlburt. "We, the undersigned Judges and
Clerks of Election, do certify that Benjamin McCarty had fifteen votes
for Representative, and George W. Cline three votes for the same office;
Jonathan Hough, H.M. Wilson, Clerks; S. Campbell, Inspector;
William Frakes, Alpheus French, Judges."

Settlers. - In the years 1834 and 1835, the following named persons
came to settle in Porter Township; Newton Frame, William Frame,
Samuel Campbell, Isaac Campbell, Isaac Edwards, Elder French, Ora
B. French, Jacob Wolf, Mr. Service and David Hurlburt. Among others
who came prior to 1838 were: P.A. Porter, Edmund Sheffield,
Hazard Sheffield, Benjamin Sheffield, W. Staunton, William McCoy,
William A. Nichols, Ezra Reeves, Morris Carman; Dr. Levi A. Cass,
who came in 1840; H. Bates, who came in 1839; J.C. Hathaway,
William Frakes, Alpheus French, Henry M. Wilson, A.M. Bartel,
Jonathan Hough, Edmund Hatch, William C. Shreve, David Dinwiddie,
Mr. Wellman, David Hurlburt and Jacob Hurlburt. Elder French,
a Baptist minister, was the first minister in the township. Besides those
above mentioned, the following were early: William Robinson, Robert
Fleming, Moses Gates, Horatio Gates, William Dye, Richard Jones,
John Robinson, Mr. Hathaway, Asa Cobb, Aaron Service and Calvin
French, who was killed by damp in a well. From 1840 to 1850
immigration was slow but steady. A number came in during 1850. Since
185O, there has been no special period of settlement. A large portion of
the present population are descendents of the first settlers. There were
fifty-six votes cast at the election of President Harrison. There are now
nine in the township who voted here in 1842.

Reminiscences. - The experience of the early settlers of this township
with the Indians is about the same as that of the surrounding country.
The Indians were friendly and made but little trouble. The township
being chiefly prairie, was not frequented as much by them as were places
where there was more woodland. At first, it was no uncommon thing to
see herds of deer containing from thirty to fifty. These were gradually
thinned out as the settlement thickened, until they disappeared entirely.
About 1848, a great wolf hunt took place here. It was what was known
as a "ring hunt." The territory swept by the hunters included Boone
and Porter Townships, together with Winfleld and Eagle Creek Townships,
of Lake County. Most of the male inhabitants of the above-named
townships, and some from surrounding townships engaged in the hunt.
An immense ring was formed and all started, at the firing of a small cannon,
toward a point about three-fourths of a mile east of where Mr. Bates then
lived, at which point had been erected for the occasion a tall pole, from
which floated the American flag. Officers we're placed at regular intervals,
and it was arranged that all should start at the firing of the gun,
and stop at the firing of the gun to "dress ranks," after which a second
shot was to be the signal for a second start, and so on until they closed
around the game under the flag. It is stated that there were at least as
many as 600 engaged in the hunt. As was usual in such hunts, they
"broke ranks" and closed in in the most perfect disorder. The game,
unable to keep in the circle, fell back in good order. A single wolf that
had perhaps become bewildered in the general disorder, was slain. The
600 came in by squads, and all indulged in a grand rally around the flag.
The vanquished wolf was thrown across the shoulder of a horseman, who,
putting spurs to his horse, was chased by other hunters, until some one
succeeded in getting the wolf, when he in turn was pursued by excited
men upon panting chargers. Finally, a man from Valparaiso arrived
with a barrel of "black strap" whisky, and -

"Those now drank who never drank before,
And those who drank, now only drank the more."

So the hunt closed in a "grand spree." Prairie fires once swept these
broad prairies, spreading terror for miles in every direction. Two girls
were drowned in Lake Eliza. It is supposed that they got beyond their
depth when in bathing.

A Mound. - There is a mound on the Wolf Place, that some years
ago was as much as twenty feet high, and from 100 to 150 feet in diameter.
It is too bad that these monuments of an ancient and now extinct
race and civilization should be destroyed without a thought. In years
to come, these will not only be objects of great interest, but will enhance
the value of the land upon which they stand.

Early Events. - It seems that no one now living in the vicinity can
tell with certainty about the first death, birth and marriage. One of the
first deaths was that of a son of John Robinson, who died from a cut in
the thigh with an ax. About twenty years ago, a steam saw-mill was
erected by Mr. Sheffield, in the northern part of the township.

The following is an extract from the oldest record book of the township
now in existence: "April 18, 1853. Ordered by the Board of
Trustees of Porter Township, at the house of R.P. Wells, that Charles
J. Blackman act as President of said Board. - Charles Riddle, Clerk."
R.P. Wells and David Merriman, were the other members, and E.W.
Pennock, was Treasurer. Dr. Cass began the practice of medicine at an
early day, in the Frame neighborhood. After a time he moved to his
present location, where he has practiced ever since. Dr. Sampson was
located for a time at Walnut Grove.

Schools. - The first school that was patronized by the residents of
this township, was situated just over the line in Lake County, on Eagle
Creek. This was a log house, and for a window had a log taken out the
full length of the building. Over the opening thus made, greased paper
was placed to keep out the cold and admit the light. Probably the
second school was taught by Mrs. Humphrey, in her house. Among the
patrons of this school were the Porters, the Sheffields, the Stauntons and
Mr. McCoy, who had a large family of boys. Another early school was
in the Frame neighborhood. This was a rude log house, and stood on
land now owned by Mr. Freeman. The educational facilities of these
early times were of a crude kind, but were, doubtless, more highly appreciated
and more fully utilized than the fine facilities of these latter days.
The following is a list of the teachers of the several districts of the
township since 1879, with some other items of interest connected with each
school, including the price per day paid to each teacher:

(Transcriber's note: I've formatted this text for ease of reading.
In the original there was no formatting here).

No. 1, 1880, Dora Rosecrans, $1.20, $1.25, $1.50; 1881, Dora Rosecrans, $1.50; 1882, Sadie Love, $1.25. The house is a brick, built in 1880, at an expense of $650.

No. 11, 1881, Isola Buchles, $1.25; 1882, Hattie Bryant,
$1.25, Nettie Stone, $1.25. The building was built in 1881, at an
expense of $750. Miss Buckles had the honor of teaching the first term in this district.

Churches. - The township is well supplied with churches. Salem
Church stands near the center of Section 22, Township 34, Range 7; an
Old-School Presbyterian Church, on the southeast corner of the northeast
quarter of Section 15, Township 34, Range 7; at Boone Grove
is a Christian Church, and about half a mile south of this stands an
Methodist Episcopal Church. The Salem congregation had their meeting for
some time in the houses of the settlers. The house has been used by the
Methodists and Presbyterians conjointly for some years. It is now used
principally by the Methodists. The Presbyterians have occasional services.
Here, just east of the church, is one of the finest graveyards in
the county. The first persons buried here were two daughters of Ezra
Reeves, who were taken up from the Dunn Farm, where it was at first
intended to locate Salem Church. Rev. Baker preaches at Salem Church
occasionally. Rev. Brown was one of the early ministers and used to hold
services at Mr. Humphrey's before Salem Church was erected. The
graveyard was started at the time that the church was built. The church has
been almost blown down and has undergone thorough repairs since it was
built, which was some thirty years ago. The Old-School Presbyterians,
or Scotch Covenanters, who built the church in the Frame neighborhood,
have most of them moved away or died. Services have not been maintained
here regularly. Joseph and Charles McFarland, and David McKnight
were prominent among those who organized this society and built
the church. Rev. Thompson used to preach here. The ground for the
cemetery at Salem Church was the gift of Jonas Cornish and Rebecca
Cornish, his wife.

Post Offices and Stores. - About 1845, a post office was established
at Hickory Point, with Jeremy Hickson as Postmaster. He carried the
mail from Crown Point for the proceeds of the office. A few years later,
Henry Nichols took the office and kept it three years, when his father,
William A. Nichols, took it into his care for two or three years. Up to
this time, the office was kept just over the line in Winfield Township,
Lake Co. Mr. Porter next took the post office and removed it across the
line into Porter Township, and was holding it at the time of his death,
after which the office was discontinued. There was a post office as early
as 1844, at the "Porter Cross-Roads," known as the Porter Cross-Roads
Post Office. This was closed about 1865. Ora B. French and E.J.
Green, were among the Postmasters. There is a post office at Boone
Grove, kept by Enoch Janes. A store was established at Boone Grove
about twenty-five years ago by Joseph Janes, who kept it for five or six
years, when he closed out. This place was for a time called Baltimore.
A store was started at Hickory Point, in Porter, by Alfred Nichols. He
kept here for a number of years, and then took his stock to Crown Point.
Another was started after he left by Mr. Wallace. This was run for
several years. About the time that this one closed up, Mr. Carson came
from Ohio with a stook of goods; some years later, he closed out his
store, since when no goods have been sold at Hickory Point.

CHAPTER XV (Pine Township).

By GEORGE A GARARD.

IN the year 1836, the Township of Lake was formed and received its
name from its proximity to the Great Lake. It included the territory
now constituting the civil township of Pine. At the June session of the
same year, Lake was annexed to Waverly Township and called
Westchester. In 1841, this region became a separate township, known as
Berry. In June, of the same year, a remonstrance was submitted to the
commissioners, and the Township of Berry was set back to Westchester.
In 1850, the Township of Pine was created. It has retained its original
size and shape except that two sections at the south were annexed to
Jackson at a later date. The first election in which the people of this
section participated was held on Saturday, April 30, 1836, at the house
of Edward Harper, who was the Inspector. It will be remembered that
at this time they were a part of Lake Township. The civil Township of
Pine received its name from the growth of pine trees that covered the
northern part.

Surface Features. - The physical features of Pine vary from high
barren sand-hills at the north to fertile fields at the south. The whole
region was heavily timbered at one time, but now most of the good timber
is cut off. In the north the timber was pine, while in the central and
southern parts oak, hickory, maple, cherry and other varieties of hard
wood abounded. Much of the timber was sold for building cars and
canal boats. In 1852, this region was a wilderness; deer, wild turkeys
and other game were abundant. In mid-winter, 1854, the Indians killed
a cub in the township. The tracks of the old bear were seen, but she
eluded the hunters. It is not often that bears leave their dens in the
middle of the winter as these did.

Settlement. - This township was very backward in settlement, and
many of those who early settled here moved away in a short time. A
large colony of Polanders has recently came into the southern part of the
township. They are industrious, and will subdue and cultivate a country
that our own people would pass by for many years. Their small farms
and log houses show industry and a determination to build homes.

Industries, etc. - Owing to the tardy growth of the township its
history is rather meager. There has never been a church, or its antagonist,
a saloon. The lumber and wood business has been the main
dependence of the people. Saw mills have been established at various
places, but, after using up the timber in the vicinity, have moved away.
Charcoal and cheese are the only articles of importance that are
manufactured. The cheese factory is in the southeastern part. It was
established in 1881 by Younger Frame. Its capacity is 1,200 gallons per
day, but it has not yet been run up to its capacity, for the reason that
milk can not be readily obtained. Samuel Hackett has three charcoal
kilns in the southwestern part. One is about one mile west of the
La Porte County line, and the other two are about two miles southwest of
this one. The first mentioned holds about sixty-five cords, and the last
two about eighty-five cords each. A good quality of charcoal is made.

Schools. - The first schoolhouse used by the citizens of this township
stood just across the line in La Porte County, opposite the southeastern
part of the township. It was a small log house, and was built about
forty-five years ago. This burned down, and a small frame was erected
and used for some time. The next house was built on the town line about
thirty years ago. It was an eight-square structure, built of narrow, thick
boards placed upon each other and lapping alternately at the corners, thus
making a wall about as thick as an ordinary brick wall, and of such a
substantial nature that after the lapse of thirty years it stands apparently
as solid as ever. It has been weather-boarded, and presents an attractive
appearance. Isaac Weston sawed the lumber for this house, and John
Frame and Elias Dresden were prominent among those who constructed
the building and orgarnized the school. In 1855, the number of children
of the school age in the township was 185, of which District No. 1 had
forty-two, No. 2, sixty-four, and No. 3, twenty-four. At this time, D. S.
Steves was clerk. In 1858, there were two schools in which the average
attendance was sixty-eight, and the average compensation for female
teachers was $2.75 per week. The amount expended for instruction was
$102, length of school term, six months, number of books in the library,
146, and the amount paid Trustees for managing schools, $6. In 1859,
John Reader was appointed School Director for District No. 1, and Alfred
Booth for No. 2. John Reader was reappointed for No. 2 in 1860 and
in 1861. In 1865, S. C. Hackett, Trustee, reports 149 children between
the ages of six and twenty-one years. In 1867, John Frame reports 143;
in 1868, 191; in 1869, 156; in 1870, 156. In 1871, William Kemper reports 189;
in 1875, John Hackett reports 179; in 1878, John
Frame reports 169, and in 1880 he reports 189, while for 1882, according to William Lewry, Trustee, there are 114 males and 104 females of
the school age. There are at present three districts. The third was
formed about five years ago. The following is a complete list of the
teachers of the township for the years indicated, with the price per day
paid them:
(Transcriber's note: I've formatted this text for ease of reading.
In the original there was no formatting here).

District No. 3 was created in 1876. The first teacher was Caroline Hall,
who received $1.68. The second in the same year was Esther Harbage
who received $1.50. The third was Esther Barnes, who received $1.75.
In 1877, Esther Barnes taught the school at $1.75 and $1.50. The last
teacher in 1882 was Atta Hackett, who received $1.60 for her services.

Roads. - May 25, 1858, the township was divided into two road
districts, as follows: Road District No. 1 begins on the county line at the
southeast corner of Section 36 and follows the section line to the town
line, thence south to the township corner of Pine and Jackson, thence east
to the county line, thence north to the place of beginning and contains
twelve sections. District No. 2 commences at the southeast corner of
Section 24, thence west to the township line, thence north to the lake
shore, thence east along the shore to the county line, thence south to the
place of beginning. There are now four road districts. The roads of the
township are not in good condition.

Fish Lake, in the northeast corner of the township, was a lake of some
size at one time. Mr. Chancey Blair has drained it and converted it
into a fine cranberry plantation.

Stores, etc. - There is a small store just east of Furnessville kept by
William Lowry. This is the first and only store that the township has
had, and this has been established but a short time. Mr. Lowry has a
blacksmith and wagon shop, and has a reputation for doing excellent work.

The First Settler of this township was perhaps a man by the name of
Switzer, who built a log tavern west of Michigan City. This building
was about 30 x 40 feet, and belonged at one time to William P. Ward.

A Mystery - In the fall of 1877, a severe storm occurred upon the lake.
After this storm, a Mr. Crawford was gathering wood along the lake
shore, and was startled to see upon the sands a dead body that proved to
be that of a young lady of from eighteen to twenty-two years of ago. She
was fair, with auburn hair and pearly teeth. Her form was fine, but the
face was so marred as to destroy its beauty. She was about five feet in
height and of medium weight. There was a gash upon the head and
another upon the neck that seemed to indicate violence. The only articles
of clothing upon the body were the shoes, stockings and garters. A
Coroner's jury was summoned, an inquest held and a verdict rendered of
death by drowning. The fact of the finding of the body was advertised
in local and Chicago papers, but no one has ever come to claim the
remains, which were buried upon the beach near the place where found.
The shoes are still in the possession of J. B. Lurdberg, of Chesterton.
They are of good material, neat make, and of a style then much worn.
The body was found on the Saturday preceding November 10, 1877, and
was buried on Sunday. The place of finding is near the line of
Westchester and Pine, but the evidence seems to show quite clearly that it was
in Pine. In this lonely grave, with this maiden, lies buried a mystery
which no one yet has solved.

"One more unfortunate,
Weary of breath,
Rashly importunate,
Gone to her death.
Take her up tenderly,
Lift her with care,
Fashioned so slenderly,
Young and so fair.

Make no deep scrutiny
Into her mutiny,
Rash and undutiful,
Past all dishonor
Death has left on her
Only the beautiful."